Show day for Chance Austin and his steer

Friday, July 28, 2017

11-year-old Chance Austin prepares his 1,300 pound beef steer, Shaq, for show day. The work begins early in the morning.

Angela Major

Chance Austin washes Shaq, his 1,300 pound beef steer, at 4:30a.m. on Thursday before the Rock County 4-H Fair beef show. Bathing the animal is the first step in a long and intricate preparation process.

Angela Major

Chance Austin puts on the boots he wears for showing Shaq, his beef steer.

Angela Major

As Shaq sits with a variety of food to bulk up before competition, Chance takes the opportunity to buy some mini donuts. Even though he spends most of his time caring for his steer, he sometimes gets to enjoy riding rides and eating fair food.

Angela Major

Chance Austin carefully glides a pair of clippers along Shaq's leg. The hair is then combed and secured with spray adhesive to give the illusion of a more powerful steer.

Angela Major

Chance Austin grimaces as his mother, Michelle, puts gel in his hair before the show.

Angela Major

Chance Austin pulls his arm through a fresh shirt he'll wear while showing his steer. Though it's important for a showman to look put together for competition, dirty jeans are regarded as a sign of a hard working handler.

Angela Major

Chance Austin pulls on a harness to guide Shaq into the stock pavilion for the show.

Angela Major

Chance Austin guides his steer, Shaq, around the stock pavilion as the judge and fair attendees watch the show.

Angela Major

Michelle Austin hugs her son, Chance, as he holds his second place ribbons. The judge, Zac Hall, complimented his presentation and said his steer could contend for the class if it had more width.